Not happy with your Medicare plan in 2015? There is still time to make a change! Individuals have through December 7th to make changes for the 2016 plan year. By now, the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters regarding 2016 coverage have been sent; it is important to review those documents to see if any major changes will affect your healthcare in 2016. Not sure if you have received this letter? Contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
If you are happy with your current coverage and are OK with the information provided within the Annual Notice of Change letter, then you do not have to proceed any further. You will automatically be enrolled in the same plan as 2015.
Concerned about your coverage, or would like to make a change to your plan? Visit the Medicare website to review your current policy. Through the site, you can check your level of coverage to see how much or how little your plan was utilized in 2015. Perhaps there are trends that you notice regarding out- of-pocket expenses that may be better covered under another plan.
2016 Medicare plans can be reviewed and compared online through the Medicare Plan Finder. Having issues online, or would like more one-on-one assistance; get free personalized health insurance counseling by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiptacenter.org to locate the nearest center.
A little planning goes a long way…..a year to be exact. Taking the time now to review or make changes to your Medicare plan has the ability to effect all of 2016. So PLAN ahead!